Your walls are probably not straight. Mine aren’t. I discovered my living room has a subtle lean that would make a tower of Jenga blocks weep. Use a four-foot level and shims—those little plastic wedges that look like guitar picks for giants. Shim behind the board until it’s perfectly level, then lock it in with a hidden nail.
I once skipped this step because I was impatient. The result? The gap between my last board and the ceiling looked like a crooked smile. I had to rip it all down and start over. Don’t be that guy. Level is not optional; it’s the difference between “charming farmhouse” and “amateur hour.”
The Final Row: A Little Grace
When you reach the top, you might have a weird gap. That’s fine—cut your last board lengthwise to fit, and again, nail into the tongue. The last board’s face nails will be hidden by the ceiling trim. If you’re not adding crown molding, you can use a little caulk and paint. Caulk is the makeup of home improvement: it covers all sins.
How To Install Shiplap Without Nail Gun at Betty Kaufman blog
Let the adhesive cure for 24 hours. Go watch a movie, drink tea, or argue with your cat about who owns the couch. When you come back, give a test wiggle. If nothing moves, you’ve won. The nails are ghosts, and your wall is a seamless wonder.
